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Frequently Asked Questions

First Visit

Preventative Care

Do I need to arrive early for my first visit?

If you have not had the chance to fill out your new patient paperwork, please arrive 15 minutes early to your first visit. To access your new patient paperwork online click HERE

What should I bring to my first visit?

Please bring your dental insurance information, a list of all current medicaitons, and your new patient paperwork if filled out physically.

How long will my fist visit last?

To ensure an optimal first experience, we allot 90 minutes to provide you with a comprehensive examination, x-rays, and a cleaning. This visit may be shorter in duration depending on your oral health needs.

Are electric toothbrushes better than manual?

Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes remove an average of 21% more plaque than manual brushes do. The movement and size of the electric brish head has proven to be less abrasive to the gums and remove debris more efficiently.

Is using a waterpik/waterflosser the same as flossing?

No, although a waterpik is an important part in your oral health regimen, it is not the same as flossing. A waterpik is a great tool for individuals who are at high risk for cavities, have crowns/bridges/implants, wear braces, or those who find string floss difficult to maneuver. String floss helps to loosen difficult to reach plaque, making it easier for the waterpik or toothbrush to remove.

What is the best toothpaste to use?

Enamel is not a susceptible to abrasion (the wear on the teeth from a mechanical source, like a toothbrush with toothpaste) because of the harness of the structure. The underlying structures of enamel like dentin and the root surfaces, are much softer than the outer layer of the tooth and are affected by how abrasive a toothpaste is. We recommend trying to use toothpaste that is in th 0-100 range on the RDA Value List, if possible.

Family Dentistry

Family Dentistry (cont)

At what age will my child get their first tooth?

The appearance of teeth in babies usually happens around six month. Do not be surprised if your infant shows initial signs of a tooth earlier or later than this. The first place a tooth usually erupts is the bottom front. Your child will likely have all of their baby teeth (20 teeth) by age six. Around the age of six, your child's permanent teeth may begin to erupt.

At what age should I first bring my child to the dentist?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday.

Why fix my cavity if my tooth does not hurt?

When a cavity only involves the outermost layer of the tooth it often does not cause discomfort. this is because the outer layer of the tooth is the strongest. As the cavity progressess to the inner layers of the tooth. sensitivity may be more apparent. Many individuals do not notice sensitivity until the cavity is close to the innermost layer of the tooth, the pulp. The pulp is the nerve of the tooth which is responsible for sensitivity to hot, cold and pressure. Fixing a tooth in the earlier stages of tooth decay is much more cost effective and typically a much quicker procedure.

I brush and floss daily, why am I still getting cavities?

Cavities can be cause by a variety of oral habits.

Sipping on sugary or acidic drinks (pop, lemonade, energy drinks, sports drinks, juice) throughout the day lowers the pH level of the mouth providing bacteria responsible for causing cavities the perfect environment to thrive. 

Oral medications: Some medications you have been prescribed may be causing a condition called Xerostomia, or dry mouth. A loss of saliva increases the acidity of the mouth which can contribute to the development of cavities.

Open mouth breathing: If you or a loved one sleep with the mouth postured open at night it could be contributing to your increased level of cavities. By sleeping with the mouth open you are drying out the oral cavity, which again leads to an acidic environment for cavity causing bacteria to muliply.

Is it normal for my child to grind their teeth at night?

No, often times children and adults grind their teeth at night because of an airway issue. If you or your child suffer from TMJ pain, clenching and grinding of the teeth, or sleep apnea, do not hesitate to reach out and see what we can do to help.

I have dental anxiety, is there anything you can do to help with that?

Yes! We provide multiple sedation options in our office to help those who suffer with dental anxiety. Check out our options for Sedation Dentistry.

What causes teeth to get cavities?

The following put yoy at a higher risk for cavity formation.

  • Consuming carbohydrate dense meals or sugary food
  • Frequent snacking or sipping on sugary/acidic beverages
  • Bedtime infant feeding with milk, formula, juice or sugar containing beverages
  • Inadequate brushing or flossing
  • Not getting enough floride
  • Open mouth breathing
  • Dry mouth
Why do my gums bleed?

The main cause of bleeding gums is plaque, a sticky film that contains bacteria, that accumulates at the gum line. When this layer is not removed, it eventually hardens into calcus, also known as tartar. This layer is then unable to be removed by you manually and requires the help of a dental hygenist to remove. If this layer is not removed in a timley manner. bone loss may occur. Once bone loss has occurred, this is called periodontitis or gum disease. To prevent gum disease and gum bleeding it is essential to brush and floss daily. A waterpik may also be utilized for plaque removal.

Why are my teeth sensitive to cold?

While there are other reasons a tooth my be sensitive to cold, a main component of cold sensitivity is the thickness of the enamel layer of the tooth. As we age, the outermost, strongest layer of the tooth can wear away. When this layer thins you are exposing a more sensitive layer of the tooth. In these instances, we recommend a Sensodyne toothpaste be used to combat sensitivity. Sensodyne, when used on a consistent basis, builds a protective layer on the tooth which helps to reduce increased cold sensations.

Emergencies

What if a tooth gets knocked out in an accident?

Pick the tooth up by the crown (chewing surface) NOT the root. If dirty, rinse with tap water, DO NOT SCRUB. Place the tooth back into the socket and call your dentist. If you cannot place the tooth back in the socket, the tooth should be transported in a contrainer of saliva, milk, or an over the counter product made for this purpose.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency and can't get ahold of my dentist?

If you have a tooth knocked ou tof the socket, facial swelling, or diffuculty breathing and/or swallowing seek care at your local urgent care or the emergency room.